Colts clear in second after sixth straight league win

Alexander Miller

Cumbernauld Colts stretched their winning run to six games with a 2-0 victory over Edinburgh University at Broadwood on Saturday.

Goals by Ross Kavanagh and Stephen O’Neill secured the points for the home side and left them four points clear in second place in the Lowland League table

Colts began well, keeping the ball and creating a number of chances before making the breakthrough in the 22nd minute when Kavanagh slotted the ball home at the back post to make it two goals in as many games for the striker on loan from Stirling Albion.

Edinburgh had a spell where they began to see more of the ball but weren’t able to make it count by drawing level.

And six minutes after taking the lead Colts doubled their advantage when they were awarded a penalty for a foul in the box.

Stephen O’Neill stepped up to take it and blasted the ball into the top right-hand corner of the net.

Colts maintained their advantage to go in 2-0 up at the half-time interval.

After the break Colts had the majority of possession but were struggling to get the third goal that would all but confirm the win, despite the hard work of Colts’ front three, Kavanagh, O’Neil and Owen Ronald.

Colts co-managers James Orr and Craig McKinlay made a series of positive substitutions, bringing on Andrew Selkirk and Jamie Broadfoot to try and add to the scoreline.

They weren’t able to add to their score but nevertheless the two goals were enough to seal another good victory for Colts.

Another positive was seeing midfielder Ross Ballantyne returning to action after a long period out with injury.

After losing their opening two matches Colts have now beaten Preston Athletic (5-0), Selkirk (3-1), Civil Service Strollers (1-0), Vale of Leithen (2-1), Spartans (1-0) and Edinburgh City (2-0).

Next up for the Cumbernauld side on Saturday is a trip to Ochilview to play East Stirlingshire, relegated from the senior ranks last season.